COURSE OVERVIEW:

The word mobility is associated with physical movement, including both simple gross motor movements and more complex fine motor movements, along with associated coordination of those movements. Physical mobility requires sufficient muscle strength and energy, along with adequate skeletal stability, joint function, and neuromuscular synchronisation. Anything that disrupts this integrated process can lead to impaired mobility or immobility.

Immobility has negative consequences for virtually all body systems. If prolonged, immobility leads to deconditioning and loss of function. The psychosocial effects of immobility are manifested by mood and affect changes. Aged care residents with impaired mobility may experience boredom, anxiety, grieving, anger, and altered verbal/nonverbal communication patterns.

Immobility and its complications have been shown to have the potential to cause physical disability and emotional suffering for residents, as well as to increase healthcare costs for facilities and communities. A comprehensive understanding of the concept of mobility is critical to providing optimal resident care.

The information contained in this course is of pivotal importance to the care of immobile or barely mobile residents. These residents will be encountered in aged care centres for people who are highly dependent owing to the severity or multiplicity of their structural or functional disabilities. This course aims to present a very complex problem situation in a cause, effect, consequence and prevention model.

The first part discusses the special attention required for immobile residents within residential aged care facilities. Then explains the key factors that influence the management of immobile residents. Then examines the factors that may contribute to immobility. Also, the vast implications of immobility and the importance of good management in RACFs are discussed.

The second part will look at the importance of maintaining movement and methods of assisting the resident to achieve this, as well as methods of controlling abnormal muscle tone, peripheral oedema and maximising respiratory function. When to decide that a resident needs full hoisting for transfers and the use of restraints will also be discussed.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

By the end of this course, you will be able to understand:

·       The complexity of the immobile or barely mobile resident

·       The five major categories of resident with limited mobility

·       The factors contributing to immobility

·       The implications of immobility

·       The consequences arising from immobility

·       The complications emerging from immobility

·       What is meant by the barely mobile resident?

·       What is meant by the potentially mobile resident?

·       The strategies for preventing complications arising from immobility

·       The tragic outcomes of cost cutting and ignorance

·       How to manage problems encountered in immobile or barely mobile residents

·       The fully dependent resident

·       The three levels of movement

·       The importance of maintaining movement ability

·       The importance of having anatomical knowledge when passively moving a limb

·       The precautions and contraindications for passive movement

·       How to encourage movement to the head and neck?

·       How to encourage movement to the trunk?

·       How to encourage movement to the scapula?

·       How to encourage movement to the upper limb?

·       How to encourage movement to the elbow and superior radioulnar joint?

·       How to encourage movement to the wrist and hand?

·       How to encourage movement to the lower limb?

·       How to manage the resident with abnormal tone such as: spasticity, rigidity, flaccidity and oedema?

·       The considerations relating to the barely mobile resident

·       The factors that can change the ability of residents to perform at their usual level of participation in activities of daily living

·       How to decide when full hoist is necessary for transfers?

·       How safety might be compromised when using full hoist for transfer?

·       When are restraints used?

·       How to maintain or maximise respiratory function?

COURSE DURATION:

The typical duration of this course is approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.

COURSE DELIVERY:

Purchase and download course content.

ASSESSMENT:

A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.

CERTIFICATION:

Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.